Ever since we moved into our house two years ago, I've wanted to add a runner to our stairs. They're really slippery, and they're also just really boring. So I decided to install a runner myself. And here's what I found out.
Renting your home has some perks (no mortgage, no maintenance costs, no headaches), but there are downsides: apartment decorating can be a challenge, and limited storage space makes it hard to stay organized.
Many apartments are too small or don't offer much storage. Maybe the landlord won't let you paint or put nail holes in the wall. And rental properties are usually...
September is National Sewing Month, and in honor of the occasion, we're taking a deep look at one of the most versatile materials out there: fabric! From sewing pillows to creating statement wall pieces, there's no limit to the way you can use fabric in the world of interior design. Here are 99 of our favorite tips on how to use fabric to decorate every room of your home. You don't have to be a tailor to use textiles in your space. From no-sew curtains to fabric as wallpaper, there's a project out there for everybody!
I can't get enough of Scandinavian design, and I'm on the hunt for ways to bring this style into my home. The decor in my house hasn't had a theme until very recently (unless you consider furniture inherited from past roommates a theme). Now that I'm almost 30 (panicked bells ringing as I type that), the items in my home are brought in with more intention. I love all things monochromatic, so the Scandinavian look fits my mostly-gray furniture perfectly. This dining table needed a new tablecloth, and the Scandinavian-inspried Swiss cross pattern seemed the perfect fit.
To recap--it's unauthorized succulent week here at Curbly. Monday: Cactus Watercolor. Tuesday: Gumball Machine Turned Succulent Planter. Wednesday: A Cactus Pincushion in its own DIY Geometric Planter. Today: A Paint by Numbers Succulent Pillow. To be honest, I vacillated over highlighting this project. That's because the original maker, Lindsay, used a service that provided
The widespread appeal of nautical and coastal decor makes a lot of sense when you consider the primal and ancient connection humans have to the sea. Being attracted to the water is hardwired into our very cells. Scientific studies have proven what we already know anecdotally: spending time near, on, or in lakes and oceans make us happier and healthier. It's no wonder that so many of us respond to the colors, clean lines, and natural elements of coastal, beach, and nautical decor. It makes us feel good to be reminded of the sea.
If your initial reaction to the term "coastal decor" is negative, it's probably from witnessing too many cutesy and heavy-handed thematic rooms. We are not advocating buying and displaying any and all items that have a sailboat or seahorse on them. Good decorating never grows out of an overly simplistic theme, and, "Put an anchor on it" is not a valid design philosophy!
When the air starts to crisp up, wearing layers is key to being comfortable. Fingerless gloves can be a fun and practical addition to your fall wardrobe. They add warmth, style, and keep your fingers free for devices and other dexterous tasks. Read on for a roundup of DIY, buy, and up-cycled options. You will want to get this kind of cozy into your life.
Decorating a child's room is such a fun experience. You can go crazy with color, pick animated and adorable elements, and all the furniture is just so tiny. However, these small spaces do come with their own set of unique challenges. As kids grow and change, so do their interests and needs. If you're looking to save money, or are just looking for ways to add your own unique stamp to a room, why not do-it-yourself? We've rounded up 75 fun DIY...
There's something about the look of watercolors that has always intrigued me, and I've been wanting to add that blended colorful look in my home for a long time. Well, I finally found my chance! With a simple tie dye kit, I updated my bedroom pillowcases to look like a watercolor canvas! Not only did it take less than 30 minutes, it came out light and blended just like I wanted for my decor. Incorporate your favorite colors to make a simple DIY pillowcase with faux watercolors that match your decor!
Spring is just around the corner (hopefully), so we're getting in the spirit with pretty florals and lots of spring-like colors. Today we're sharing some DIYs that will help you get in the springtime frame of mind too. Keep reading to check out 16 of our favorite floral DIYs for your home.
Drinking wine and crafting are two of my favorite pastimes, and today I'm combining them into one fun, super simple DIY project. I'm sharing an easy no-sew felt wine coaster project that functions as both a coaster and a wine marker so you don't drink someone else's wine by mistake. Win win! Keep reading to check out the full tutorial... it's surprisingly easy!
I love the look of white trim and bamboo roman shades, but the problem is my window sizes are anything but standard. Custom bamboo roman shades are expensive, but the store-bought version can actually be affordable window treatments. The problem is getting them to work for those of us who have non-standard window sizes. The obvious solution is to cut them, but when you inquire about that possibility, you'll hear every reason why you shouldn't. But, guess what? I am here to tell you it is possible to cut store-bought bamboo roman shades to fit your windows perfectly. Read on to find our how!
My 63-inch wide window was a poor match for the standard-sized shades sold in most big box stores. Most store-bought shades jump from 48-inches to 72-inches, so cutting one down from 72-inches was my only option. I found these bamboo roman shades at JCP Home. I ordered the 72 inch shade and assembled my tools. Here's what you'll need to cut your shade.
Measure your window and purchase the right size bamboo shade. Most likely the next size up will work. Because of the cords and hardware, a bamboo shade usually only has about 8-12 inches that you can actually cut off the width. Installing the shade inside the window trim was not possible because I'd have to remove 17-inches. I decided to top mount the shades (over and outside the trim), and then removed 9-inches off the sides of the shade.
After you measure the total amount needed to be cut, determine how many inches will be cut off each side. The placement of the shade hardware is often asymmetrical. I ended up taking 3.5 inches off the right side and 5.5 inches off of the left. Make sure you leave at least a half inch excess beyond the hardware. The line marked above was my cut line. You may have to cut off the routed out section used to mount your shade, but that's okay, you'll be able to fix it later.
Completely release your shade and lay it down back-side up.
On both sides of the back of your shade measure the distance you need to cut. The left photo shows the side of the shade I removed 5.5inches from. I made marks with tailor's chalk all the way up the shade. I used the same straight-edge to mark a straight line.
Finally, tape along the line you'll cut. Place the tape along the line on the part of the shade that will NOT be cut off. The tape is the key to keeping the bamboo from fraying. You want the tape to keep the edge of the newly cut shade nice and clean.
Continue to run the tape over the wood mounting strip and onto the flap. Do this for both sides of the back of the shade.
Flip your shade over and repeat steps 4 and 5 for the opposite side of your shade. Do not skip this step. To make your cut you only need the tape on one side, but to keep your bamboo from fraying you need tape on both sides. Again, make sure the tape is on the inside of the line protecting the cut edge of the portion of the shade you'll keep.
Once both sides are taped, now it's time to tightly roll up your shade. Flip your shade with the back side up and roll your shade tightly keeping the lines of your tape straight as your roll. This is how you get a nice straight cut line. There are very few tutorials out there on how to do this, but what I did find often resulted in jagged edges after the cut. In fact, this is why box stores will not cut them. If you have marked well, taped well, and your tape lines up when as roll your edges will be straight. Here are a few extra things to pay attention to during this step:
This is the edge my shade after it was fully rolled. Notice it is not completely even. This is okay! These shades have manufacturing flaws. If your tape lines match as you rolled then you will be good to go. If for some reason the end of the rolled shade has caved in, then undo it and re-roll.
Once you have completely rolled the shade, lay the taped flap down to line up the shade roll.
You thought you were done with the tape right? Not yet. On both sides of the shade, wrap the entire roll in tape. This is to keep the flap and the shade together when you cut the shade. Wrap the tape along the cut line. Do this on both sides of the shade.
Use tape to keep the cord out of the way when you cut the shade.
Take your shade to the chop saw and cut the shade along the tape line. It is best to cut the shade with the wood and hardware facing up. You will cut through the wood first and then the roll. Make sure your blade is sharp; if you have a dull blade, be sure to change it out before you make the cut.
Here is what your rolled shade will look like cut.
The above left photo is the part if the shade we cut off. This is the side of the cut line that did not have any tape. Do you see how bad the fraying is at the cut line? The right photo is the actual unrolled cut shade. There will be a little bit of chipping or fraying but it's unnoticable once the shade is hung. All that taping is worth it! If you have some chalk lines left, just wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
Since you cut off your mounting holes you'll need to make new ones. I've found the best way to do this is to follow the instructions for installing the mounting hardware first. Once you do this then have someone hold up the shade and mark where you need to drill your hole.
Use the 3/8-inch spade bit to drill your hole where you've marked it. I chose a 3/8-inch bit so I could use the washer and wing nut that came with the shade hardware. You could actually use a router to cut a slot like the one previously on the shade. This would give you a little wiggle room just in case you didn't measure correctly. I don't have a router so my measurements had to be exact. Check it twice just in case. Once you're done, install your shade per the instructions.
You can see a little but of cut fray upclose, but this is inevitable. If you want, you could grab a stain pen matched to the shade and gently touch up the rough edges. I have not done this but if you do, I would suggest testing it on the piece of shade you cut off first. Since my shade was top mounted I new my curtains would cover this up. Honestly, you don't notice it unless you are intently looking.
This is an upclose and personal view of the shade after it was cut and hung. The funny thing is I have an uncut shade on another window and these edges are more straight.
I love how it turned out and the fact that it looks custom. I know you can hang two shades to make one big shade but I just love the ease of having one.
I wish I could've hung it a little higher, but my windows are large and it would have come up too short at the base. My hubby reminded me that we would have to lower the curtain rod to install the crown molding, so one day it will be perfect.
Note: I ordered the oak color from JCP home. It looks more walnut colored in person. The pecan was too dark and too cherry colored in this brand of roman shade.
It's a little tedious, but cutting a bamboo roman shade is totally doable. I love the custom window treatment at the standard sized store-bought price!
Did you love this hack? Then you should check out our top 100 favorite IKEA-upgrades of all time!
This is not a post about deceiving your landlord. This post is about updates you can make to your rental that more than likely don't need your landlord's permission. My husband and I are landlords. Rentals are a part of our full-time job; so here are some things WE wouldn't mind you doing if you lived in our rentals ... and I bet your landlord might feel the same way. If you're sick of ugly apartment cabinets and want to cover them, or just can't stand the light fixtures in your space, here are some simple ideas for you.
1. Create your own walls with pieces of furniture. Need more rooms or spaces? Create them with furniture.
2. Change up the kitchen cabinet or bathroom vanity hardware. New knobs can change a bathroom or kitchen, and they are really easy to change. I would buy some fun ones that you might use again ... maybe in your new home or on a piece of furniture. Make sure you store all the old knobs with all the screws so you can easily put them back on when you leave.
Don't do: Don't drill new holes. You do need to ask permission to drill any new holes. Don't switch the hardware out with something you would need to drill a second hole or a hole in a different place. If your cabinet does not have hardware then you need to ask to drill holes.
3. Remove your kitchen cabinet doors. If your rental has ugly doors and you happen to have some awesome kitchenware that needs to be displayed, then go ahead and remove them. Make sure you store your kitchen cabinet doors in a place where they will not be damaged. Make sure you are extra careful if they are painted just to be thoughtful. Don't want to remove the doors? You can make temporary cabinet covers by concealing ugly doors with removable adhesive paper (contact paper).
Don't do: Don't lose all the hinge hardware or putty fill the door holes. Remember, kitchen cabinets are a very expensive fix so store them well. Not storing them well will probably cause you to have to pay a hefty price.
4. Do use temporary wallpaper. If you have a landlord with a "no paint policy" check out the paint-able and totally removable wallpaper from Tempaper. There are many brands of temporary wallpaper and as long as it is installed and removed well it will more than likely be okay with your landlord.
5. Install plug-in pendants. If you are allowed to drill into the wall then there should be no problem with installing a hook into the ceiling. This is an easy way to make your rental look custom and then take that custom look with you when it's time to go.
Don't Do: Use the wrong hook or hardware to install into the ceiling. Doing this will make the hole bigger than it needs to be and a not so easy fix for your landlord.
6. Do switch up the shades or bulbs of your light fixture. There are so many ideas out there to spruce up existing fixtures. Make sure your store the original shade or bulb so you can return it when you leave.
Don't Do: I think changing the light fixture without permission is a bad idea. It never hurts to ask but don't be mad when your landlord says no. My husband is a general contractor and even he won't install a new light fixture in one of his rentals. Why? If the licensed and insured electrical company installs your fixtures, then if something goes wrong, only they are liable. How do I, as your landlord, know you know electrical work? If something happens then I am liable. If you are that passionate about it, tell your landlord you will pay for his electrician to come install it and then re-install the original one when you leave. Safe people are happy people, right?
7. Do take the closet doors off. Again, as long as you store them well and put them back on when you leave then your landlord should have no problems with this removal.
8. Do use rugs to cover ugly floors. Whether it is gross carpet or really ugly vinyl ... a rug can right some wrongs. If you have ugly kitchen vinyl, buy a vinyl sheet remnant and cut it as large as you need it to be. Turn it over to the white side and paint it. Use rug tape and you have a water friendly and mop-able way to cover some serious ugly.
9. Do install outside mount roman shades to hide ugly or broken blinds. In this living room makeover I hid the white blinds by pulling them all the way up and installing this bamboo roman shade over the window trim. You didn't even know they were there did you? The family uses the roman shades when they want privacy and the broken white blinds are completely hidden.
10. Do use contact paper. You can contact paper on walls, your kitchen cabinets, your fridge, your door and so many other places. You can even use frosted glass contact paper on a window to give you privacy.
Your rental can feel like your home with these simple updates. On another note, while I would be fine with all of these updates, if you are not sure...go ahead and ask your landlord anyway. A trusting landlord will let you do more but you do have to gain the trust at first. Love this post and want more? You're in luck, because we've got lots of great posts planned specifically for all you renters so stay tuned.
This just in... the '70s are back! Okay not exactly, but we've noticed a major trend lately - modern '70s style textiles are popping up all over the blogosphere. Think vintage but with a modern twist. We're loving this boho chic look, so today we're sharing ten of our favorite picks.
Every time I wander through Anthropologie, I leave wishing I could have bought everything in the store. And lately they've been selling these gorgeous eclectic throw pillows with beautiful textural embellishments... but of course they're a bit on the pricey side. So I decided to try my hand at making my own simplified version. Click through to check out the full tutorial for these DIY Anthropologie throw pillows!
For reference, here's the original Anthropologie pillow that inspired me to do this project:
Photo: Anthropologie
Mine is less complex, but it still has that fun bohemian vibe that I loved about the original. And it didn't cost $88! So let's get started.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
We'll begin by making the front panel of the throw pillow. Center the 18 x 11 inch piece of lighter blue striped fabric on the front of the 18 x 18 inch piece of dark blue fabric. Fold the edges over by a half an inch and pin them down, as shown above. Sew along those edges with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
Next, cut the orange ribbon into three pieces of equal length. Place the first one 1 inch from the edge of the lighter blue fabric panel and sew down the length of it using orange thread and a zig zag stitch. Repeat the process on the other side of the panel and right down the middle as well, using the two remaining pieces of ribbon.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
Next, use a straight edge and a pencil to mark off the locations for some of the yarn strips. Mark the center of the orange ribbon one the right, then place the ruler from that point to the top of the opposite ribbon on the left side, and mark the spot where the ruler crosses over the middle ribbon. Do the same on the bottom. Mark the center of the left ribbon as well.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
Now it's time to begin sewing on the yarn strips. Begin with the longest strip, in the center of the panel at the pencil marks. Cut three pieces of yarn that are 12 inches long and pin them on either end so they are positioned across the center of the pillow from the center of the left ribbon to the center of the right ribbon. Thread the embroidery needle with a piece of black embroidery floss, knot the end and begin sewing the yarn to the panel by bringing the needle up and over the yarn using vertical stitches. Tie off the end on the back side.
Next, attach a short strip of yarn to spot where you made a pencil mark on the middle ribbon. You'll only need two embroidery floss stitches for this one. Make another one of these same small strips on the other pencil mark opposite that one on the middle ribbon.
Then fill in the space in between the strips with additional strips in ascending and descending lengths. Check out the final images for visual reference.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
Now it's time to create the tassels for the sides of the pillow. Wrap yarn around the cardboard 12 times and then cut it on one side. Lay them out on your work surface.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
Cut a 6 inch long piece and place it perpendicularly across the 12 pieces you just cut. Fold those in half over the single piece and tie a 12 inch long piece around the folded top area as shown above. Wrap the tail around a couple of times and tie a double knot. Finish the tassel by knotting the 6 inch piece by the top folded edge of the tassel. Repeat this 10 times.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
For the back panels, simply fold an 18 inch edge over and hem with a 1 inch seam allowance. Do this on both pieces.
The last step is to assemble the pillow. Lay the front panel down face up on your work surface. Next, place 5 tassels on each side, evenly spaced. The tassels themselves should be in between the fabric, with the tails sticking out. Then place the two back panels face down on top. Pin the edges, and sew around the perimeter with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. The goal is to sew over the tassels right where the top knots are. Be sure not to catch the tassel tails in the seams on the corners.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
Turn it right side out and stuff your pillow insert inside. Trim the tassels and the ends of the yarn strips so that everything is uniform.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
The final result is unique and a bit quirky, with a playful vibe thanks to the tassels.
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher
And your wallet will be happy that you didn't spend $88! Feel free to experiment with the fabrics and colors too... the sky's the limit!
Share this post on Pinterest! [Photo: Faith Towers Provencher]
The home decor world is operating mostly in throwback-mode right now. What used to be tacky is now tasteful, and looking dated doesn't matter as much. Walk into any big box store like Target, West Elm, or CB2, and you'll see interpretations of designs and color schemes that originally surfaced over 30-40 years ago. From the resurgence of treatments like terrazzo to the re-introduction of wicker, what's old is new again. If you're like me, you've noticed a familiar pattern pop up. And if you're like me, it's making you gleefully reminiscent. I'm talking about the bold and bright world of Memphis design, and its colorful impact on the 80s and 90s.
Every time I walk into Anthropologie, I walk out with a handful of items... and wishing I could have bought so much more. But when I ran across the Tahiti Basket, it occurred to me that it might be one piece that I could recreate at home. And so the fringe basket Anthro Knockoff was born!
It's a problem that a lot of homes suffer from, whether their owners know it or not - boringness. Does your house lack personality? Or maybe it has plenty and you want to add even more? Well today we have ten easy ways to add serious personality to your home. Click through to check 'em out.
Adding letters, words and phrases is a super easy way to give your walls some serious pizzazz... get the tutorial for this DIY wall decal here.
This floor started out in bad shape. But with the addition of cheap peel and stick floor tiles arranged in a stripe pattern, the new look is beautiful - and completely memorable. Get the full tutorial here.
Does your kitchen backsplash leave something to be desired? Well even if you're a renter, there is hope... just grab a few sheets of removable wallpaper in a backsplash-style pattern and follow these instructions.
There are so many great ways to upgrade an existing piece of furniture... this one started out as a black IKEA Malm, and now it's a white and wood campaign style dresser. Get the how-to here.
Give your existing throw pillows a makeover with new fabric and some unique trim. This pom pom pillow was made using a shirt from the thrift store! Get the how-to here.
Ah, the power of paint. Grab a pint or two of exterior paint in a bright color and you'll have a personality-filled entrance which will set the tone for the rest of your home. Get the instructions here.
Add some character to your tabletop with these fun patterned cork coasters. Get the tutorial here.
Who says you can't make your own sconces? Find out how to make this fantastic hanging pulley bulb lamp here.
Do you have leftover yarn from old knitting projects lying around? Make yourself a piece of wall art out of the remnants. Get the simple tutorial here.
If you're not ready to commit to a unique wall treatment throughout an entire room, try it as an accent wall! This peel and stick wooden accent wall is a great option, or you might also consider a bright paint color or a fun wallpaper pattern. Get the tutorial for this wooden accent wall here.
As you can see, there are so many great ways to add character to your space without spending a huge amount of money or time... Please feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below!
I'm all about pastels right now, and I suspect we'll be seeing even more pastels while spring is in bloom. To create the pastel paradise I want for Easter, I felt I needed pastel colored fabric napkins. Since I wanted to learn more about natural dyes, I searched for ways to dye fabric with traditional household items in order to achieve my pastel color palette. I decided to experiment with a few different ingredients, and ultimately, red...
